Help! Whisker/Skin Drainage and Odor/Follicle Infection?

Question

Hunter   Hello! My rabbit, Hunter, is acting normal and healthy for the (most) part. She is eating normally, enjoying her foods, she is chewing her huts and toys regularly, and enjoying her normal petting sessions. However, she seems to have been acting a little bit lethargic compared to her normal self in the past few weeks. Hunter has two symmetrical spots on her face, about at each side of her nose. The other day I noticed her left spot was wet and scruffy looking (This spot is where most of her whiskers come out of) I also noticed an unpleasant odor coming from this area of her face. This is not water, as I have tried cleaning it, only to no avail. I cannot find any help on the internet, and I do not know if this is a problem or not. Hunter has not had any smell in the two years I have had her. I am wondering if there is an infected whisker follicle? There is, however, no bumps (that I can feel from the surface, at least). This spot is so wet-like, (more like damp) that I can separate her fur into little sections and move her whiskers apart to about see her skin. Also, this wet spot has been coming on and off for about 5 days. One morning she will start hopping around, and by evening this spot will be damp and smelly. I have not yet taken Hunter to the vet, I do not know if its an alarm problem. Another unusual symptom Hunter has been going through in the past month or so is what I believe to be drooling. When she smells a tasty treat or cut up fruit, she starts to make a sucking noise with her mouth and acts as if shes already almost chewing the fruit. Is this excess saliva? I am ever so grateful for your advice! Please get back with me ASAP, as I have been monitoring this area for a few days, as it comes and goes.

Answer
Dear Monica,

It sounds as if Hunter may have molar spurs, or possibly a dental abscess that's causing the drooling and bad smell.  Anything like this is certainly reason to get her to a rabbit-savvy vet for examination and treatment, as appropriate.  Please find a vet here:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets

and you can read more about dental problems here:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

The sooner she's seen by a good rabbit vet who can diagnose and fix the problem, the better.

I hope this helps.

Dana
P.S. - adorable picture of Hunter.  :)